Italian Sodas Recipe

If using store-bought syrups

Shake or stir each bottle of syrup to ensure consistency. No additional prep needed. Place bottles in reach for easy pouring.

If making simple fruit syrups from scratch (optional)

For any fresh-fruit syrup (strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, huckleberry, pomegranate or cherry): combine 1 cup chopped fruit, 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Simmer 8–10 minutes until fruit softens and color deepens. Remove from heat, smash fruit with a spoon or potato masher, then strain through a fine mesh sieve into a container, pressing on solids to extract juice. Chill completely before using. To make vanilla syrup: combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a saucepan, bring to a simmer until sugar dissolves, remove from heat and steep 1 split vanilla bean (or 2 tsp vanilla extract after cooling) for 20 minutes, then remove bean and cool.

Prepare glasses: fill each 12 fl oz tall glass with 4–6 ice cubes (about 6 pieces) leaving space at the top for soda and cream if used.

Measure syrup: For each flavored Italian soda, add 2 tablespoons (about 1 fl oz / 30 ml) of the chosen syrup to the bottom of the prepared glass. Adjust to taste for sweeter or stronger flavor — up to 3 tablespoons for more intensity.

Add cream (optional): For a cream soda variation, pour 1 to 1½ tablespoons (15–22 ml) heavy cream over the syrup and ice. Stir gently to combine the syrup and cream before adding soda to prevent separation.

Top with soda: Slowly pour about 10–12 fl oz (300–350 ml) chilled club soda or sparkling water into the glass over the back of a spoon or down the side to keep fizz and layering. Leave about 1/2 inch at the top to prevent overflow.

Stir to combine: Using a long spoon, stir each drink 6–8 gentle strokes to integrate the syrup (and cream if used) with the soda without flattening too much carbonation.

Garnish and serve: Garnish each soda with an appropriate fruit or a maraschino cherry and a sprig of mint if desired. Serve immediately with a straw and long spoon.

Variations and tips: - For a lighter soda, use 1 tablespoon syrup. - For a mocktail float, add a small scoop (2 tablespoons) of vanilla ice cream instead of cream. - If preparing multiple flavors for a party, set up a syrup station with labeled bottles, glasses of ice, chilled soda, spoons and garnishes so guests can assemble their own sodas.